It’s that time of year once again, boys and girls – time for Pro Watch. It will be very interesting to see what happens this year, after they let go of the band. That was a huge cost savings to them. The question is: are they looking to save even more money (say goodbye to Derek and possibly Cheryl) or have they saved so much that they can afford the popular, long term pros that have kept people coming back to this show season after season? I personally think that they will do what they can to hold on to Derek – he’s an Emmy winner and that’s very helpful to the show’s cache. I think they will also do their best to hold on to Cheryl, Karina and Mark. I’m GUESSING that Val and Tristan are still locked into contracts that are beneficial to ABC so they aren’t in question as long as they find a partner for them. As always, I could be wrong.

First up – you may have missed it as I only tweeted it and inferred it on PureDerekHough, but Derek told the audience on the cruise ship he was that he was back for Season 18. He then amended that statement later saying that they were negotiating his contract. So, I’m putting him down as a strong “possible”. If Derek is out and, say, Henry is in then you’ll know that they didn’t give him what he wanted. Interestingly, this confirms (for me) what I’ve been thinking/guessing from how Derek talks – that he goes season to season and is not under a long term contract. The way he words everything, that he’s usually the first pro to know whether he’s dancing or not….it all sounds like someone who’s holding his own reins a good bit. Take, for example, that story from his season with Kellie, where the producers gave him a deadline to “decide” if he was dancing or not. He’s also WAY more loyal to this show than they likely deserve. :::shrug::: Ah well. It’s a positive character trait most of the time. Anyway, I suspect that this is also true for Cheryl, Mark and Karina. They’ve been around long enough and surely have representation good enough to get deals like Derek.

Next….the word of caution I hand out EVERY season: everyone who works on this web site is on twitter, we see what the pros tweet. I personally suck at facebook, so if it’s posted there I may miss it (Thanks, Karina). That said…give us a few minutes (20 or so) to post something before you come running to “scoop” us. It’s terribly annoying when people do that. Believe it or not, it actually takes a few minutes to update this site. If you find something out and it’s been half an hour and we haven’t posted it?? Scoop away. The larger word of caution is this: a pro saying they are “looking forward to” season 18 is NOT confirmation they have a celeb partner. We need more than that. You’ll know it when you see it. What Cheryl said today on Ellen?? “It will be my 17th season on DWTS.” While I’m almost certain she will be on, I’m going to put her is a similar position as Derek. They all say stuff like that….doesn’t mean they have a partner for sure. Might be the best we get though.

The starting positions below are based on the individual pro’s status last season. This doesn’t mean that we will see Sasha back as a pro, for example – as the shortest male his status will be VERY celeb dependent. And yes, I know that if a Pro hasn’t been on a for a few seasons they are free to do other things – this does not, IMO, mean they will never be a pro again. Only that they are not OBLIGATED to do what the DWTS producers tell them to do. Which is more than fair.

ETA: Latest updates are courtesy of Kristyn Burtt. Maks and Henry fans may get their wish, but this makes me think Derek might be out. Of course, knowing Maks and his publicist, this is an attention stunt (again).

ETA3: So in a bit of deja vu from this time last year, suddenly DWTSGossip reports that Derek is back in…which means that somebody else is out. No idea who. My best guess? If our intel from the Maks fan is correct, Maks was heading to Cleveland to have his back injury looked at – maybe he couldn’t get medical clearance to dance. If not Maks – did Henry maybe get the boot…again? Guess this will be an ongoing investigation as this latest deluge of pro news keeps pouring in…

ETA4: …aaaand the hits just keep on comin’, as Kristyn immediately reports that Tristan is now OUT. I’d love to know what happened – did someone’s partner back out at the last minute? Did Tristan opt to take a season off to spend with his new wife? Dammit…I’m gonna miss our Wee Irishman. And I need food…bad. Please, rumors – give me a 15 minute break so I can go eat a sammich. 😛

ETA5: A bit of a no-brainer, but Tyne favorited Kristyn’s tweet about her not being back this season – so it’s probably safe to say she’s out for the season, both as a pro and as a trouper.

ETA6: Artem Chigvintsev of SCD has been added to the troupe….and last-minute additioon….Sasha Farber!!!Thanks to Kristyn for the heads up! You rock!

*Gleb is working as a choreographer on SYTYCD in Australia. The show just started this week and I assume that it goes for 10 weeks or so, at least. Unless he’s doing only one show for SYTYCD, that would put him out as either pro or troupe on DWTS. Vogue is contacting him to find out. ETA: Gleb’s twitter response to Val seems to imply strongly that he is, indeed, out.

**According to one of our Pure Readers (not sure she wants to be identified), Val told a small group of people in Tulsa that he got the call and that they start rehearsals in a couple weeks. Giving it a tentative note since I can’t verify it. ETA: Val gave me enough via Twitter. Incidentally, he blocked me. Odd, since I’ve never tweeted him EVER, nor do I spend any time on twitter discussing him. I never even followed him. I’m thinking that means he reads this page. 😉 I wish Mark would block me. I wonder what I have to do…I suppose I could block HIM. Would that keep him from butting into my conversations?? 😀

***Tony says it’s packing time with a wink. Normally that wouldn’t be enough, but this is Tony we’re talking about. He’s about as subtle as a sledge hammer. 😀 Of course, Lizzie said she was heading to LA, as did Maks. It’s all very interesting. :::yawn:::

****Bill tweeted the following to Emma yesterday, which she retweeted. Could mean nothing, could be a subtle “Pssst…I’m gonna need your votes cause I’m a pro again, guys!”Kind of love that Bill’s still showing love to the Rioters

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

Pro Watch-the most agonizing, yet somehow entertaining time for DWTS fans! Looking forward to this upcoming season, I really hope we see most of the pros from last season (mostly Derek) back again! I’m still not too excited about a possibility of new pros, like we heard on AfterBuzz about SYTYCD dancers on the show, but it is what it is! Hope we get back some of our former pros (Maks,Anna,Chelsie,Kym etc.),it may be wishful thinking, but hey!

Last season picked up some great rating and I would like to keep same pros this time.
Male: Derek- my favourite.
Mark
Val
Sasha
Tristan- Please give him a young partner
Tony- runner up Gleb.
Female Karina- my favourite.
Cheryl
Emma
Sharna
Tyne
Peta

Female:
KYM!
Cheryl
Karina
Anna (these top 4 females are the best part of the show for me!! Love them!)
Emma (loved her!)
Sharna

The out for the season category makes me sad :(!!! Please let Kym be back and Tyne out. And I know she may be some people fav but I would love to see Peta out and Anna back! Even if it was just for this season!

Pro watch! Yay! I personally am looking forward to seeing all the pros back, but I would love to see Lindsay or Witneya a a pro and Tyne back in the troupe, as well as one of the SYTYCD dancers somewhere this season.

We also have tore member, as I’m sure Vogue and Heidi will say, that we didn’t learn about Gleb in season 16 or Tyne in season 17 until pretty close to the start of the season, so we might be in for a surprise later on.

My number one is I want Derek back. So boring without him, his great choreo, ideas and ability to turn anyone into someone who can dance well enough that its enjoyable to watch. And I can’t imagine them letting him go for all those reasons plus the Emmy. I would like to see Gleb take Tonys spot, I still can’t get into Tristan and if Val never spoke (he alw says something that iritates) he’s bound to be there I guess cause Maks is out. I really enjoyed Sasha-hope he gets a spot.

New attitude Cheryl, yes. I’m thinking maybe Karina needs a break. I think she’s the best female pro technically, but to me has seemed OTT last couple of seasons to get another win, really INtense. Sharna, Emma, maybe Anna T. Lindsay-definite NO, Whitney instead. And Peta.

I think with all the other changes, and I still hate we don’t get a results show so we see more pro-dances, the behind the scenes development of relationships etc, it would be too much for them to not have familiar, popular pros. And I wonder about the orch decision..I think it adds so much class to the show especially for some dances but the pros may actually prefer the canned music. I’m just not sure a stripped-down version of the show will be as good as when they let Derek get creative with arrangements or they bring in violins and stuff. And I hope with all the other cut-backs they manage to at least get some kick-ass stars to keep us interested.

1)Karina – She is amazing and always will be the best female choreographer on the show in my opinion
2)Peta – She has good seasons (Brant, Donald) where she is creative and bad ones (Giles, Meta World Peace) but is always fun to watch
3)Cheryl – Only if she is like last season
4)Sharna – She is AMAZING
5)Kym – Time for Kym to come back and show why she is the most charismatic female pro on the show.
6)Emma – She is great as a competing pro. Truth be told, I used to find her boring but she came alive her last season in the troupe and was a scene stealer and with Bill was awesome.
7)Mark – Yes, he is another one who has bad seasons and good seasons but he is great at what he does.
8)Derek – The reigning champ and the best male pro
9)Val – He is my second fav male pro
10)Sasha/Gleb – Either way I am happy
11)Tony – Leah and him were fun and he is back to old fun Tony since he had Melissa as an allstar partner but I hope this is his make it or break it season in my opinion.
12)Tristan – Give him someone good TPTB. We want more of him on the show.

1) Tyne – She is better in small doses.
2) Henry – Like I said before Tony’s make it or break it season….so if he doesn’t come back for the Fall season Henry gets his spot.
3) Whitney – Better suited for the troupe right now
4) Whoever doesn’t get a pro spot out of Sasha and Gleb
5) Lindsay – keep her around for that.
6) anyone male ballroom dancer from SCD

@Vogue, Brent Borbon would be an interesting addition but I’m not sure if they’d have him on because he was a contestant in the Pro Competition in Season 8 and was out first (later won by Anna Demidova of course).

My choices: Derek, Tristan, Henry, Sasha, Gleb, Val
Karina, Kym, Sharna, Emma, Anna, and maybe give Lacey a season here and there. I don’t mind either Peta or Cheryl anymore so they are fine too with me. So far I’m not interested in the 3 young blonds.

Brent Borbon was a big part of the recent DWTS cruises. He is fantastic! He was also in the DWTS Las Vegas show run in 2012. I’d love to see him make it to the show! I’d also love to see Jaymz Tuaileva some more, but I’m fairly certain he’s on the Cher tour. All I know is Tristan needs to be there AND he needs a good strong partner dang it! Same goes for Sharna.

Brent Borbon was a big part of the recent DWTS cruises. He is fantastic! He was also in the DWTS Las Vegas show run in 2012. I’d love to see him make it to the show! I’d also love to see Jaymz Tuaileva some more, but I’m fairly certain he’s on the Cher tour. All I know is Tristan needs to be there AND he needs a good strong partner dang it! Same goes for Sharna.

@grant: to be perfectly honest I don’t know that much about Jaymz, haven’t noticed him that much in the past. However, he was also on the DWTS at Sea cruise and I really enjoyed watching him live. Very impressive, IMO. Plus, he was super funny! I think he’d be entertaining.

What I would love is to see the other pros step up their game to Derek’s level. That’s how it should work. You don’t make your draw sit down so someone else can win, you get the others to step up their game. In order to do that, some of them are going to have to let go of their prejudices and start watching what Derek does instead of scoffing at it. Looking at you “family”.

But how can pros such as, say, Tristan, get the chance to ‘step up to Derek’s game’ when he’s not been given a partner young enough for him to maybe stretch out his full potential with? This isn’t a ‘Derek needs to be challenged’ dig because plenty of them have had good partners, but you need somewhere to start to step up your game.

I hate to say this…and I could turn out to be wrong…but Tristan is never going to get a ringer (or a younger dancer) unless a ringer ASKS for him. Tristan, I believe, has straight up said that he’s not a choreographer. And there’s nothing wrong with that. When given the opportunity to shine – Design a Dance with Chelsie – he abdicated the choreo to her. That says a LOT. Look – the man is very popular, has been on the show for a while now, and gets the older icons. I don’t see that changing any time soon. There is a method to their madness.

And really, ask Tristan if he’d trade Valerie or Gladys for another partner. Doubtful.

When I say step up, I’m looking at Val, for one. Most of his partners have been ringers. You wanna complain, complain about him. His ratio is FAR higher than Derek’s. Three of Five to Derek’s four of 12 (and that’s a stretch). Of Val’s two that weren’t actual ringers (Sherri and Elisabetta), one was young and capable (on paper) the other was very popular and capable. Again – a MUCH better ration than Derek.

So true Susan. I love Tristan….what a class act for just enjoying dance and appreciating the ride and whoever he meets and dances with. Though I always thought Pamela was close to a ringer and they could have went further if she were more committed at the time.

I would bet if you asked him, Tristan would say that he got just as much out of his seasons on DWTS as Derek did – maybe more. His experience is pretty valuable. There is a reason he gets those partners beyond him not being a choreographer; it’s the type of man he is. He’s more caretaker than competitor – there’s nothing wrong with being either one or the other.

I do wonder, though, why the producers seem so very desperate for Val to win. He hasn’t had a turkey for a partner yet (on paper). He hasn’t even had one (like, say, Joanna or Lil’ Kim) where you looked at them before the season started and went “That one’s going home early.”

Hey, I’ll happily say that Val needs to step up his game- which is funny, because Val is my favourite pro. Its the Freestyles he needs to improve on- I think his ones with Kelly and Zendaya were just underwhelming. And this is someone who REALLY rooted for him in both seasons, haha.

And I don’t know…I think Elisabetta was a turkey of a partner, just as much as Joanna was. Unless they wanted Elisabetta to be just as good as Stacy Keibler, which would surprise me. I think they thought Sherri would outlast a fair few, though.

Sherri Shepherd’s early ouster was more because of her inability to just relax and be herself instead of constantly always being “on” and acting a fool in order to entertain us. I think Val felt pretty bad when they were eliminated so soon. If I remember correctly, I think he even blamed himself for their ouster, which humanized him and made me even like him. At least for about 10 minutes anyway.

I wonder if the producers consider Val to be their “Derek might leave! Don’t panic! At least we have Val!” kind of pro. Great dancer, good choreographer and young, however Derek and Val are almost polar opposites as far as personality as anyone could see, so what do I know?

Yes, Val most defiantly has to work on his Freestyles. I’ve enjoyed most his Ballroom choreography, but his Freestyle’s stink on ice.

I don”t think producers hate anyone. In the beginning, they give a shot to everyone.

The only thing I don’t like is the bias Judges have with Derek.
When Derek goes “rogue,” only Len calls him on it. The other two judges not only tell him that they want front row when he breaks rules, but give him 10s. When the other pros break rules, all 3 of them punish the pro. ( like Lacey, Dmitry, Mark). the audience then gets confused and criticize Len. The only time all 3 of them criticized Derek was with Shawn’s QS in the finals, and people did listen.

I also don’t think the others are less talented than Derek. I call what Cheryl did with Jack and Robert magic.

No, I don’t agree that Elisabetta was “as much of a turkey” that Joanna was. Joanna was HATED by most in the DWTS community of on line fans because of how vile she seemed on that other competition reality show that she was on with Maks. Maks fans were THRILLED when Derek got her because they saw her a model (therefore likely a crappy dancer) and a horrible, vile human being – un-redeemable. It’s only after he managed to show her as being not so bad as either a human or a dancer that that history changed and they started trying to claim she was a ringer because she had ballet lessons when she was 11.

And I think anyone who truly believes the judges are biased towards Derek needs professional help. Seriously. But it’s you, Jennifer, so I expect nothing less. At the risk of feeding the troll….every episode we discuss how so and so (Tony, Val) get away with doing all kinds of things that Derek routinely gets called on. Hell, Derek got criticized for having a COW in the background. That was blatant, disgusting bias against Derek. I’m not the only one who has noticed this happening time and time again. Derek gets yelled at for a prop…a couple dances later, Tony has a campfire, a bench and god knows what else. Val has his partner getting out of a stagecoach – nary a word is said. Derek rides a tractor across the floor before the dance starts, Len goes insane. Tony and Wy ride segways – oh isn’t that clever!

And I think many of the others are very much less talented than Derek – but that’s just the way it goes. Cheryl did work wonders with Jack – so she had one great season for the other four she checked out on. Bully for her. She certainly can reach Derek’s level if she manages to remain committed no matter WHO her partner is.

Tony – can’t touch Derek, Mark, Karina or Cheryl in terms of choreography. I could go on, but eh.

I honestly hope, for Tristan’s sake, that he never gets a contender. Why? Because I don’t think the results will be NEARLY what his fans expect. And that will be sad, because he is fantastic at what he does with the partners he’s been given.

*yawn* Haven’t we heard this song and dance from you for the past 4 years, Jennifer? “Blah blah blah…Derek gets preferential treatment.” And where is anyone saying that the producers “hate” anyone?

Anywho…echoing what Heidi said about Tristan, there really are different kinds of pros on this show, just like there are different ballroom instructors in the real world. There are the teachers that are super-competitive and really drill their students on technique and performance value and want to give their students a good shot at winning; and then there are the teachers who focus more on their students’ overall enjoyment of the experience and understand that the student doesn’t necessarily have to win in order to glean value from the experience. Neither approach is wrong; it’s just DIFFERENT. And I think the producers both recognize and try to accomodate that as best they can when pairing up couples – while I see someone like Val being in the former camp and really shining with a partner that he can get very competitive with, I think Tristan’s niche lies more with someone with whom he can just enjoy the experience and not feel pressured to go bigger, faster, harder, etc. Does anyone HONESTLY think that Tristan thought he had a shot at winning with Nancy, Gladys, Pam, Dorothy, or Valerie? Hell, I don’t think any of those ladies themselves even expected to have a shot at winning. But I also don’t think winning was ever the goal in any of those partnerships – they were all partnerships that were valued more for the emotional connection and the overall learning experience than they were for their MBT-winning potential. Tristan doesn’t seem like the type that wants to push, push, push as hard as he can to win and possibly diminish his partner’s enjoyment or the value of their time together. It’s just not him – he seems to be less of a competitor and more of a real teacher. The one time he did get a partner who seemed to have some competitive potential (Dorothy) also seemed to be the most stressful partnership for him – he seemed very concerned about her enjoyment and her safety. I don’t think hardcore competition is really in his DNA. So while some might say “I wish Tristan would get a contender. He always gets the old ladies who can’t do much!”, I find myself saying “I hope Tristan gets a partner with whom he can get the most out of this season.”

I feel like I might need to edit my name because I’m confusing myself of who’s Jen and who’s Jennifer… my bad. Haha.

I wasn’t saying the obvious Tristan comment that we always see, I just meant that it would be interesting to see how he would do and what his method would be like, had he been given a partner with a real shot at winning. Of course, it’s unlikely, but it just would interest me to see what would happen.

@Jennifer- Last season, Derek did a foxtrot that didn’t break any rules, yet got a 7 from Len. A week later, Tony did a quickstep that actually broke the rules yet Len gave out a 9. I wouldn’t really call that a bias in Dereks favor…

on the DWTS cruise they had Q&A sessions with all the dancers/stars. (The week I was there did NOT include Derek, so I don’t have his perspective to this question. I’d be curious how the answers would have been if he were there.) One of the audience questions was about partners and how they are matched up. They all said it had to do somewhat with personality and actually also height. Sabrina Bryan said she actually requested Maks. Interesting! She also went on about the reason Tristan gets the partners he does is because he’s “sooooo patient”. Tristan himself responded “but I only have to be patient for a couple weeks then I go home!” And partners like Bill E. aren’t really given a true shot, they basically forced him to be the comedy act whether he wanted to or not. It worked I guess, but it doesn’t really speak to the producers allowing an “even” playing field. I personally got the impression everyone (including Tristan himself) would like to see Tristan get a contender. I hope it’s not true that he will “never” get one, that would be just sad, IMO.

I like Tristan, but he does not deserve to get a contender in my opinion – from what I have seen his choreography seems limited, and why risk ruining a contender’s chances by giving them to Tristan when they can be put with Derek, who never fails to deliver show-stopping routines.

I think they should keep giving Tristan the older stars and replace the awful Tony and Val with new pros – I’d quite like to see what Henry could do with a celebrity partner.

#Steve J. I think Tristan’s choreography is depends who his partner is. He is a most gentle and caring dancer and his priority is to protect dance partner from any injuries. I’m sure if he has a younger partner, he is capable to produce excellent choreography. With the rest I agreed.

Great discussion. I’d be curious to know how many of the more mature lady celebs requested Tristan because of his mild manneredness. I’d bet a few of Tony’s less physically capable partners did the same. While I’m not certain that Tristan possesses the same competitive or choreographic prowess as some of the other pros, he is a great teacher and I would be curious to see him with a true contender.

Well, if it’s insulting to Cheryl, so be it. In my eyes, she has bailed on many more seasons than she has shone recently. As for having no chance? Are you kidding? She had a real chance with both Rob and Jack. Of course, you’re all hindsight and no critical thought…

Well Heidi, have to say I agree with you. I am so tired of hearing how Derek gets by with things, gets ringers etc. He is just really an excellent teacher. He is the whole package, he can do it and he can teach it. That is a relatively unusual trait. There are many great mathematicians out there, but not all of them can teach. Those who do teach have different styles. I remember how floored I was when Amber said Derek did her steps when her knees were bad and she could learn a lot of it by simply watching that tape at night. So, not only do people teach differently but each of the celebs learn differently as well. While producers may match folks by height etc., I don’t think they can match by learning style, so in that regard it is always a crap shoot.

The male pro’s I would like to see are Derek, Mark, Tristan, Sasha, Henry and maybe someone new. I am tired of Val, not only because of his intensity but I think his competitive streak goes from fun to mean hearted. They are all competitors but he changes somehow and almost seems pouty and disgusted at time and I don’t like to waste my energy on that. He is probably a very nice person, I just don’t like that characteristic about him. Tony, can pack up and go home. I have had enough of him. When Kellie won over Zendaya, the look on his face, did me in for him. That was just plain bad sportsmanship.

The female pro’s I would like to see are Karina, Cheryl, Emma, Sharna, Kym and Anna or Chelsie. Witney and Lindsey don’t interest me at all. I didn’t like their choreography and I don’t even like them in the troupe that well. It’s all just my opinion.

I have to say I am glad to be back stating my opinion. I have missed this show and I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things this season.

It makes me sad to think that Damian will never return. I know he has only had 1 season on the show. But for me, the impact he made his 1st season was just as powerful as the 1st season of some of my newbie favorites. (namely, Sharna, Sasha, and Emma).

@Sandy, Damian was one of my favorites and I loved he and Pamela’s partnership.

Since the show wants a younger demographic, bring back Chelsie with one of the young Winter Olympian medalists and give Cheryl, Mark and Tony a break. I would also like to see Henry and Julian given a chance with celebrities. I would not miss any of the interchangeable blondes of Lindsay/Witney/Tyne – but if they just have to stay, leave them in the Troupe.

I agree with everyone that Lindsay (and Witney, for that matter) are too young & green to be pros – but I don’t really begrudge Lindsay for her season as a pro. As I said almost a year ago, just before the announcement (and I think I even replied to Lindsay’s mom on Twitter), throwing Lindsay in as a pro without a few seasons of prep in the troupe was a baptism by fire, and was likely going to screw her over. Of course none of Lindsay’s fans wanted to hear this, and I was labeled a “hater”, but it all unfolded exactly like I said it would: she didn’t have the experience to really know how to handle a finicky partner like Victor, and she just didn’t have the fanbase to cover her ass yet. And wouldn’t you know – she got downgraded to troupe the next season. Had they put her in the troupe to begin with, she may have had a better run as a pro in a subsequent season. None of it was really her fault – she was just hired into more of an expert position when she only had amateur experience. TPTB had a similar problem with Tyne – except Tyne was a newb to ballroom herself, and had no experience teaching it…AND not much of a fanbase. It’s an interesting contrast to Sharna, Emma, and Sasha, who all paid their dues in the troupe for several seasons before advancing to pro – and all three had successful rookie seasons as pros. You’d think TPTB would recognize a pattern…

I do agree that Lindsay’s first season wasn’t great. But she did show potential: remember her and Victor’s contemporary dance? I thought that she did pretty well, and the judges did too; that was their highest score of the season. We have to remember that Victor was a pretty difficult partner, as Lindsay affirmed at the end of the season in various interviews. I think that if Lindsay has one or two more seasons in the troupe, things will go a little bit better for her as a choreographer.

In terms of Witney, she has been lumped with Lindsay and Tyne because she is a blonde. And she has never been given time to make a name for herself. She is a very different dancer that Lindsay; while Lindsay is more of a technician, Witney is more of a firecracker and a power dancer. My eyes just keep going to her. I think that people should give her a chance as her own dancer.

I am personally against Tyne. Is she a gorgeous dancer? Yes. But she is not a trained ballroom dancer. She took a crash course in ballroom before the show! Witney and Lindsay, who are trained in other styles, are primarily ballroom dancers. If she is even on the show at all, Tyne should start in the troupe. And she was on the show the season before she was a pro… doing contemporary dance. I think that she needs a long time in the troupe.

So, yeah. I will consider that my personal rant on these dancers, because I do support Witney and Lindsay more than some other people on this site. I apologize for the length of this comment and I will now lay off of everyone’s back.

I like kristyn Burtt, think that Lindsey teller is meaning cast in like the opening title for dwts because as you all may know I’m good friends with Lindsay and Witney and their families and I have spoken with both of their moms and they find out the news next week. So I’m almost sure this Lindsey girl means the promo, hopefully! I hope Henry is a pro this season he DESERVES it!

I’m highly dubious about this Lindsey chick having anything to do with the show – there’s nothing to suggest she’s even a dancer, let alone in any sort of professional capacity. And Teller ain’t even her real last name – judging from her profile, she’s a Sons of Anarchy fan, and the name of the main character is Jax Teller. Not sure what the tweet meant, but I doubt she’s going to have any sort of significant role on DWTS.

Witney comes off more immature and Sharna touched that on that a bit on afterbuzz a few seasons ago. Also Witney was a horrible all star on sytycd and never has her partner shine. She will be the female Mark pulling attention away from partner. That isn’t charisma. That is hogging the camera.

Of the two, I prefer Lindsay over Witney. She’s more refined in her movement quality than Witney.
Witney, as others have mentioned has a more energetic, whiz bang dancing style that tends to draw the eye toward her. Normally that’s a good trait to have for a dancer, just not on this show where the contestant’s dancing is supposed to be highlighted, not the pro.

But honestly, I would rather have even Witney as a pro than Tyne. Nothing against the girl, she’s a lovely dancer, she’s just not a ballroom dancer.

This Lindsey girl? I don’t know. We all know that DWTS is incredibly strict about what people are able to say before the cast announcement. Even if the tweet was deleted, I find myself doubting that she would have been allowed to say that if she was on the show. Two further points:
1. We have no idea who the heck this is and can’t find anything else about her. As someone up there (or maybe in another post) mentioned, with Tyne, we were able to find something about her after her name came up. We can’t seem to find anything about Lindsey.
2. Notice how she phrased the tweet. “2014 dancing with the stars opening showcase?” Please. Has DWTS ever done a showcase kind of thing? What would that even be? I just can’t seem to figure that one out.

Another point against her is the Lindsay vs. Lindsey thing. I don’t know if DWTS would do it with pros; correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure that last season was the first time they had two celebrities with the same name. I don’t know.

Well, Aviva, as I mentioned below, Lindsey Teller ain’t even her real name – it’s actually Lindsey Vieira, and I managed to find her Facebook page. Not gonna post it here (seems a bit stalker-y t me), but it says she’s involved Static Noyze Dance Company, and the Boston Community Dance Project. Both appear to be more of the jazz/contemporary/hip-hop persuasion than ballroom, and obviously, they’re clear across the country. I’m gonna venture a guess that her tweet was more of a local thing, as opposed to the DWTS we’re referring to.

Now aren’t the pro dancers supposed to stay tight lipped about if they got a spot on the this season? If so that does not make sense you’d think they would want to tell us to build up some excitement so ppl. know if there favorite dancers were asked back or if a troupe member got promoted. Also the lack of rumors of celebs is really borning, hopefully in the next few days tmz, wetpaint will have some names.

Wow, it must have taken some KER-AZY research on Wetpaint’s part to figure out that Amber was paired with Derek (after Heidi noticed that Derek’s publicist was following Amber on Twitter, and reported it at PureDerekHough) and that 4’9″ Snooki was paired with Sasha (the shortest male pro). And they seriously must have been psychic to figure out that Corbin & Karina were a pair…total coinky-dink that they were following each other on Twitter, and that every other outlet (including us) had already guessed it. I don’t know WHAT we’d do without Wetpaint!!!

My god, I can’t even type it with a straight face. Wetpaint is a day late and a buck short most of the time, and only regurgitates what other sites have already reported. Gina Calzone wouldn’t know an original idea if it bit her in the nose. Total garbage.

The funniest thing about it is he likely did it a while ago and I didn’t notice. 😀 He’s not exactly on my radar when he’s not on the show. I don’t quite understand what kind of impact that’s supposed to have, except to make me giggle, since I didn’t follow him or tweet him. Maybe it’s because he’s a “saint” now and I’m a lowly, cussing, beer drinking sinner. 😀

The only pro who might even be close to being able to labeling himself a “saint” is Tristan – both for his easygoing nature, and for the fact that he may or may not be related to Connor & Murphy MacManus. 😉

I know you have twitter and dont like when you tell you about pros tweets but its been 14 hours since gleb tweeted that he was coming to la well have since landed. Guessing hes in somehow, troupe or pro.

I’m really nervous about the pro lineup on the male side. Artem Chigventsev flew to L.A. on Feb. 12 and had coffee with Sasha Farber on the 18th, and I assume is still in town. Now with Gleb returning, and Henry sounding likely, it looks possible that someone might be dropped. And I read a conjecture that since Erin works on the other coast during the Fall, that if she’s the new Brooke, maybe DWTS is going to drop the Fall season – don’t know what to think of that. I also remember reading somewhere (maybe here?) that there are some new people in charge at ABC – not Conrad Greene’s job but maybe above him? Maybe they’re partly the reason there’s so much change happening?

Can’t see the Erin Andrews draw. I didn’t think she was that popular when a contestant, and isn’t going to bring in the younger audience TPTB are craving. Truthfully, one host is all that’s needed with this new one-day format. Hopefully one of their changes will be positive. Less excited for DWTS this year. Sad for long-time viewers…I’m even in their desired demographic!

Oh I do realize there’s a lot more Artem could be up to than coming on our show, Princess Heidi! I didn’t mean to make it sound like it was obvious it had to do with our show – it just makes me nervous about possibly losing someone.

And Sandy, on Henry’s website, he (or whoever wrote his front page) said, ” Most recently Henry is looking forward to return to perform in USA’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 18.” Though when asked about that on Twitter, he said he didn’t know anything, but he also tweeted he was “settling in” in L.A. after being in Australia for a while. But again, loads of things are going on in L.A. other than DWTS, but since he’s been on the show several seasons, I’d imagine it’s likely he’ll continue, either in the troupe or w/partner (but I sure don’t know for sure.) I don’t know anything! I don’t think I’d be surprised at ANYbody’s departure, at this point!

When thinking about pros,I try to think of who I would like to see them with. I am posting this just after watching the re-runs on the NBC website of the Figure skating Gala dance., There are three skaters I would love to see on DWTS (and they are retiring from skating) – Meryl Davis, Charlie White, and Carolina Kostner. And yes, in some ways all three are “ringers”.

Pair Derek with Meryl, and I think mirrorball immediately. Emma (or good Cheryl) with Charlie, and there’s another pair that could win. They would never have three skaters on one season, so maybe Carolina could get Derek another time (and another mirrorball!)

It’s been a long Olympics and we’re just getting into DWTS, so could somebody please tell me how Brittany Cherry from SYTYCD got mentioned for possible troupe duty?

PH and Courtney, your posts (#’ 40, 46, and 56) have been spot on IMO regarding the way pairings are handled.

@Brenda – Er, Anna has been on a break for over a year now…and may be on a permanent break, since she seems to be busy with motherhood and doesn’t seem to have a strong desire to return to the ballroom anytime soon. From what I’ve heard, Jonathan is really focusing on his teaching and competing with his students, and doesn’t really have any plans to return to the show. In fact, I think he may have said he is not coming back, EVER…Heidi, did I imagine this? Or can we dig it up?

Couldn’t find the tweet that I’m thinking of (where Jonathan basically says he won’t be on DWTS probably ever again because he’s just “too busy”), but I did find this one: https://twitter.com/JonatRoberts/status/171495715166629888 Looks like Jonathan is out at least until next year – although I’m pretty sure it’s forever.

And why such a late Cast Announcement this season? I realize the Olympics JUST ended but TODAY would’ve been a great day to make the season announcements? March 4th is only 13 days BEFORE the show premieres! Unless they’re waiting for an Olympian to return from Sochi & catch their breath before jumping into DWTS 😉 Wonder if we’ll see a Seattle Seahawk Superbowl Champ as a S18 Castmember?

Maks flying to LA is indicative of little to nothing – he flies back and forth quite a bit, and he’s usually there for the cast announcement (whether he’s actually part of the cast or not). I find it rather comical how he and Lizzie both feel the need to let everyone know they’re flying to LA around the time of the cast announcement – it’s as if they’re constantly trying to reignite the “Is Maks coming back or not???!” debate each and every season. And since we haven’t seen him as a pro in over a year now – I’d say his pro days are probably over. But hey, if he & Lizzie get some sort of satisfaction from this little game – fly to LA all you want, guys.

Maks & Val’s (and maybe Tony’s, too) obnoxious, foul PR gal. Lizzie Grubman…or Lounge Lizard Grubman, as I prefer to call her. Has run afoul of the law on several occasions…best remembered for backing her Range Rover into a crowd at a club several years back.

You would think that if Maks were to actually be on this season, he wouldn’t let it slip at all or even hint about him coming to LA so it’s a complete surprise. I didn’t think anything of his tweet at all.

I wouldn’t consider Witney’s mom following Cody Simpson as an indication that 1) he’s been definitely signed or 2) he’s been paired with Witney.

That said, Cody’s only 17, so he would need one of the younger female pros, but we already have some that would work well…. And HAVE worked well with some of the younger celebrities in the past. Honestly, I think both Witney and Lindsey should have some more seasons in the troupe. And before they do become teaching pros, they should first show how well they can do choreographing a pro dance or two this season.

Honestly, I think he should work with Emma. I really fear that TPTB could think pairing 2 teenagers together would be a good idea. He’s SO YOUNG! And Witney isn’t THAT MUCH older.

@Lori, I’m pretty sure that two teenagers have been paired together before. Julianne was with Cody Linley in season 6, and they were the youngest couple that season. And they were both SO YOUNG. While I totally agree that Witney might be too young, I don’t think that it would be so far fetched for them to be paired together, even though I totally agree that both of the young blondes need more time in the troupe.

I guess I’m considered to be part of the you get demo DWTS is looking for, but to be completely honest I don’t like the idea of Cody on the show and possibly paired with Witney? That makes it even worse! I’m with Lori I want him either with Emma or not on at all! Sorry!

The difference between Julianne and Witney, though, is immense – Julianne may have been a teenager, but she was an exceptionally mature one. Ditto for Chelsie. Witney & Lindsay seem more like a typical 20-somethings to me.

Hmm I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they paired Cody with Witney assuming they’re both on the roster. They tend to pair the younger people together, (the only exception that I can think of is Zendaya and that was for height reasons) and now that Chelsie isn’t a pro every season they very well might place him with Witney or Lindsay. I just honestly don’t see him being paired with Cheryl or Peta or Karina or any of the other female pros.

They aren’t both on the roster, Mike – this is just the “pro watch” post, where we SPECULATE about who is in and who is out. We don’t know for sure whether Cody or Witney is in or out – hence our skepticism.

Mike, Zen with Val wasn’t height (clearly, Val is not one of the taller pros) but because he’s the youngest of the men except for Mark and Mark is shorter – or was at that time. I don’t know how Sasha fits in there.

So, here’s a wacky idea. We now strongly think that Gleb is out. That leaves an open slot. Remember earlier this school year how Fikshun said that someone from SYTYCD was in talks to do the show? I think that Paul Karminyan from So You Think might take Gleb’s slot. I will miss Gleb, but I think that an opprotunity to choreograph for SYTYCD is a great opprotunity!

I absolutely agree that Witney and Lindsay need to prove their choreographing skills before turning pro. Whitney also needs to show that she’s good at standard ballroom. She’s terrific when dancing sharp, fast dances like the cha cha or the all-girl bumpers, but I’m not so sure she can do an elegant waltz or foxtrot.

I’d also love for Witney to prove she can portray a variety of moods and emotions. Can she be sophisticated? Or sweet and tender? I mean, she’s sexy and fierce, but you can’ t be like that in every dance.

I just read on msn.com that Erin Andrews was chosen “to attract more younger male viewers” or words to that effect. Are there a lot of young male viewers? And it would seem younger pros would be the better drawing card.

Thanks Aviva (#173 and other posts) for the reference to Brittany Cherry, and I agree that Paul K. would be a great addition to the troupe. He was our favorite male on the show last year, and well grounded in other genres besides ballroom as well. (A lot of what the troupe does is all over the place, IMO.)

“Attract younger male viewers” If they truly think this then not only are they smoking some primo Mary Jane, they’re also dropping some acid.
Because young male viewers are just dying to put away their X-Boxes, turn on the TV and watch DWTS! lol!

Everybody seems to think their explanation of Brooke’s ousting/Erin’s hiring is the right one – and in reality, we will probably never know for sure what TPTB’s motives were for the switch, unless Conrad Green decides to spill the beans. I personally think it was just to “freshen up” the show, as opposed to trying to attract a particular demographic or save money. Brooke was stagnating; they wanted to give the show a face lift.

Personally, I think Courtney is right, but the way I read it was along the lines of “DWTS is trying to attract the younger guys who have already seen Erin Andrews on the football sidelines, and think she’s hot.” It actually made a teeny-weeny bit of sense, from a perverted, totally desperate, “I’d-sell-my-mother-for-half-a-ratings-point-in-the-key-demo” perspective.

Erin’s fan base is basically college aged males so I see MSN’s opinion. Which could be part of who knows how many reasons. In the end, adding younger pros like Wiitney which I hope does not happen will not do anything. Every show, reality shows included, all have a lifespan and cycle.

I think Henry will get his chance as pro and be paired with NeNe Leakes. Sasha will be back as troupe and someone from SYTYCD takes The other male troupe spot. I just can’t see them having Emma back and be Sasha. It’s like Jerry without Ben.

I called It about Henry being pro. Plus I had a feeling Maks would be back based on Sasha’s bizarre ……… Tweet. I think Tyne will join Lindsay on troupe with Sasha or if not a new female sytycd member + a new male.

Don’t know if Maks is in or not, but he was very recently in a blind item reveal on Crazy Days and Nights. Sounds like he is the victim of extortion and is struggling to make the payments b/c his income has declined. If he is coming back, I guess he really needs the money?

So happy for Henry!!Yay!! Also sad for Gleb. I dont think Maks is back, he made it clear he was over the show, well atleast being a pro, not that minds dont change but hasn’t he said some not so nice things about the show in the past?

Well, Kelly, Maks has also shown himself to be a hypocrite in the past too, so I don’t think his negativity will affect his status one way or the other. They let him be a judge after he and Val begged for it, after all.

I mean that every season Maks and his publicist do their level best to get the PR machine all amped up asking “Is Maks coming back??” They feed it. It has happened many seasons now. All you have to do is follow both on twitter to see it.

Well damn – not sure I’m all that happy with any of these three updates. Still think Witney’s too green to be a pro, I’m iffy on Henry, and I was enjoying the fact that the cast announcements weren’t dominated by the nonstop “Will Maks be back???” nonsense.

I’m thinking Sasha is pretty doomed at this point, and possibly Tyne as well. And by god, if I have to put up with THREE family members in one season again, Derek better be there to balance things out…and Tristan, too.

Courtney reads my damn mind!! I was all “ew, the family is back – only Derek can balance that out”. Of course, what do I want more? Derek OFF this show, or Maks off this show? It’s a toss up, although the reasons aren’t the same. I actually think I might prefer Maks to Val though.

I’m excited to see what happens with Witney! I think she has potential, but choreo might be a problem for her initially, but we’ll see what happens!

@Sandy, Witney was on Season 9 of So You Think You Can Dance. She and Lindsay were best friends, and were eliminated within one week of each other. I have personally followed both from the beginning and I love them both, but they do still have a lot of work to do and room to grow and develop and may still need some time to grow. But I do think that, over Tyne, both are the right choice.

Lol…yeah, we’re in total agreement on that one, Heidi 😛 Maks really isn’t all that bad anymore – by HIMSELF. Ditto for Val. It’s when you get Maks, AND Val, AND Tony all together, and they start their whole “family above all else” and “us against the world” nonsense that I feel like chugging bleach. And then when you add Peta and now possibly Henry to their entourage – ack. Then I desperately need someone to balance out the energy – heck, I could even bring myself to be somewhat thankful for Mark’s presence if it helped provide a foil for “the family”.

No, Aviva – last season it was DWTSGossip that had a sudden avalanch. Looks like this time it’s kristyn, although a Maks fans swears up and down he’s not back as pro. She may know! I think maybe as a judge. I would be okay with that, actually. He knows more than CAI and Bruno, for sure.

Sasha will be doomed without a shorter celeb or if Mark is out, he can be the shorter pro,

Ugh, rather see Derek move on from dwts and agree with Courtney on these recent updated. Not excited about any of those three. Henry has been desperate to be a pro for awhile and hopefully impress more than when he was on the Aussie dwts. Witney, awful. She is like
Mark and Lacey mugging combined.

Henry- To be honest, I am loving Henry as a pro. He’s a fantastic dancer and has done great choreography in the troupe, the question is can he teach? From what I understand, he’s done some teaching on movie sets, so I’m positive about him.

Sasha – I’m bummed about Sasha but in all honesty, I was expecting it.

Whitney -If Whitney is a pro, I’m sure Tyne is out.

Maks – Well maybe he decided he actually does need DWTS because in his year off, I haven’t seen him do much work else where. I’m indecisive about him because I liked him as a judge but like Courtney said, when you have Maks, Val, and Tony — (even Peta) — together, then it’s just annoying.

Never understood why they haven’t brought Chelsie back for a while. Odd that they seem to be getting more SYTYCD people to kind of fill the vacancy she left… I would prefer Chelsie to Witney, for example, because–like Courtney, I think, said before–she just has that maturity that Whitney or Lindsay don’t seem to have yet.

Also I agree that it’s a little random that all of these rumors are coming out in the space of a couple hours!

Something is not mathematically adding up for me. On the girls side, we have 7 possibilities for pro, none confirmed out yet. If Tyne gets moved down, that has 3 girls in the troupe. Now, I’m assuming that if Henry is pro, Sasha will go back to the troupe. Which (without Gleb) totals 3 girls and 1 guy. So either (a) I’m missing something or (b) I’m crazy or (c) I might actually be right.

I thought Witney really stood out in the troupe dances. She seems like she could be a really fun, energetic newbie so I’m all for her getting a try. (I was really less than impressed with Lindsay’s personality as a pro and wouldn’t care if she ever had a shot again – sorry to say after only one season but really felt no draw to her).

So for the women if it’s Karina, Cheryl, Sharna, Peta, Emma, Witney – that’s a pretty great line up right there. I like it. Quite bummed that Tony isn’t being sidelined for some newer blood.

We’re assuming that with Whitney in, Tyne is out and with Henry in, Sasha is out.

Having Gleb leave and Whitney moving up, they are probably going to have a couple of people from SYTYCD on the show. So far, I believe Jenna is joining the troupe, which would replace Whitney as far as the females and it could also be that Tyne is not returning either.

As for Maks being rumored back then, either Derek is not returning or someone (Tristan or Mark) is off for the season, if it’s true that Henry is in. I think they would keep Tristan, at least I hope but we’ll have to see. I’d rather see Derek than Maks any day but I think he doesn’t need the show anymore. He’s made a household name for himself outside of the show.

No, because of the numbers. If Maks is a pro along with Val, Tony and Henry, that likely only leaves two spots. Odds are that Derek would be the one to go because he was working on his contract recently and may be trying to up his salary to make staying worthwhile – NOTE: this is my speculation, re: the salary. It’s good business to do that though.

In any case, I have a Maks fan who swears he’s not dancing. Numbers are back to okay and there’s something for everyone.

Jessica, it is possible that Maks had Stuff that he’s done while he was off, besides running his studios, we just haven’t seen it yet. Honestly, I don’t follow Maks at all, so I honestly don’t know what he’s been doing. But, the film industry isn’t INSTANT like DWTS is, the whole process is slow, and it can take a REEEAAALLLLLLY long time for projects to be released. A good example is Derek…. He was off on Season 12 (I think) to film, and it’s just being released now. Hard to believe it’s been 3 years already.

Just saying it’s possible that he’s not been as inactive as some may think.

@Lori, that is definitely true. I’m so of excited to see him back (if the rumor is true) and if him taking a break was a good refresher for him.

With the update, I’m sad to see Derek go (if what DWTSGossip said is true) because him and Karina are my favourites on the show but I’m sure he has some other great stuff going on. Besides, having 4 MB trophies is not bad at all.

Even if Paul is the other sytycd troupe member ( who is really talented and best cross trained ballroom since Lacey,..Witney and Lindsay and Jenna are meh), still don’t care. Witney stands out because she always looks for the camera.

Wow… so we have Tony, Val, Maksim, Peta, Erin, Henry and no Derek…so I guess it’s a Chmerkovskiy family party this season… this could be interesting or extremely annoying. And you know Kirstie will be around to for support. Can’t wait to read about the ratings this season.

I agree completely KellyK, I’ve been tiring of the show for the last couple of years, but have stayed with it because of Derek. If he is not on this season, I won’t be watching. Tony, Maks, and Erin?? Gag!

I’m sad about Derek not dancing on DWTS, but, I’m going to take comfort knowing he has so many projects going on and that he’s readying for. Now he will have time to really put a show stopping, creative tour together with Julianne and promote his movie. Plus, maybe he’ll come back for some pro numbers and design another Emmy winner. Whatever happens, this guy will ‘dance’ and that’s all that matters. Same with Gleb. If DWTS doesn’t want them to dance this season, fine… then I’ll watch them somewhere else.

If you think about it, they almost have to leave Derek out this season. Can you imagine him going to the finals again?? They’ve been stacking it for Val to win the last few seasons and he hasn’t been able to due to Derek, mainly. Not that they like Val better and don’t like Derek – just that it starts to become clear that Derek is the celeb in the equation. Five mirror balls?? A SMART manager would look at what Derek has done the last year and ask for more money. The other pros can’t really do that. So, it didn’t happen.

It’s all for the best….for Derek, anyway. I like Maks better than Val or Tony….but Erin drives me insane. If it weren’t for this blog……

Add his Emmy win and choreographing for gold medalist, people even casual viewers would say Derek is the star. Yeah it seems like stacked for the fam to win and they have been really trying to push Val for awhile. Love to see
Sharna win. Feel like a male celeb may win this season anyway.

The idea of Maks returning makes me sick. I thought he was banished from the dance floor forever. Oh, but wait, It’s his show….

I seriously might be watching The Voice (it’s Usher and Shakira this season) and just catch up with portions of DWTS online. I will have to see how much they play up Maks return. And Erin’s arrival. *barf*

Does anyone know what happened to Kym? I know she choose to take last season off to judge the aussie dwts but do we know if she choose to not come back this season or was she not asked back?
Maks seems nice but I dont like his my way or the highway teaching approach. Or him spazing/swearing at his partners. I hope he has calmed down.
If Meryl is on, I wonder who will be her partner now? At 5’3, Mark, Val or Henry would make most sense.
Glad Emmas back, but feel for sasha.

If the Candace Cameron Bure rumors turn out to be true…I’ll throw my support to her…UNLESS they pair her with one of the fam..and that INCLUDES Henry..I do love Henry but don’t like that he seems to have aligned himself with them…sigh. I’m just not looking forward to this season at all with no Derek. Everyone elses choreo is BORING, with the exception of Karina but especially Tony’s.
I don’t live near a big metropolitan area so it’s unlikely that I’d get to see any production that Derek and Julianne might do. I’m a sad panda

I’m just waiting to find out who are the celebs that are dancing to make my judgment of whether this season is going to suck or be at least tolerable. I cannot stand Tony AT. ALL. I actually do not have a problem with Val or Maks, I can tolerate them. Mark is the other one I wish wasn’t in this season and was replaced with Sasha. I will miss Derek’s amazing choreo but I wish him the best and I am very much looking forward to his movie!

I like Henry. I’ve been wanting him as a pro forever and I am glad he finally gets a chance. Just hope his partner doesn’t suck 😛 I don’t know how I feel about Witney being a pro. I used to like the idea but not so much now (wish Kym was back…).

I am all for Emma or Tristan grabbing a win! That would be great! Oh, and Sharna as well

I’m with you Courtney on endorsing a Tristan or Emma win. Too much “family” for me this season. Not a fan of Witney being a pro. She just seems like a more immature version of Peta to me with trying to sex everything up.

Also, I swear I remember Maks saying that he’ll never be back as a pro and he doesn’t miss it at all. Went back and found the video and he definitely said it. Great Maks…that makes me want to root for you (sarcasm).

Wonder who the troupe guys are going to be. I can see Paul from SYTYCD, but I wonder who else.

Hate it but I can understand why he’s taking a season off or if he never returns. After the Emmy win and his work with Olympic “Gold” Medalist Meryl Davis & Charlie White, he’s a rising STAR in the world of Choreography!

I’ll be supporting an Emma or Tristan win too! 😀
Hope Emma can get creative and funny again this season hehe

I had no idea Henry is part of the Family. Dang, when did that happen. I thought he was very complimentary of Derek at some point.
With no Derek I’ll be less motivated to watch the show. But on the other hand I’ll be very excited to see who can get closer to that mirrorball trophy now that the contender who is way ahead of everyone else is out.

Henry got sucked into the family in All Star Season I do believe when Tony and Melissa used him in their Trio dance and then again last season, Tony used him again with Leah’s Trio dance. Henry was recently hanging with Val C at a Lakers game per a pic on Henry’s Instagram Acct. I’d like to see Tony out because without Derek there, I don’t think there’s a male pro to challenge Val or Maks to bring it with the choreography. Mark is hit or miss with his Choreo. Julianne was SPOT ON last season, when she told him that he likes to focus on him with his Over the top costumes he wears and its true. I like Mark, I do but Julianne was right when she said he outdances his partners at times. So it’ll be interesting to see who he gets as a partner this season and which Mark shows up.

Please. Maks is in no position to demand anything, certainly not that he be back, Derek off and Erin on. On the contrary. And I don’t think he would do such a thing in any case. The Erin thing had to be in the works for a while. It’s sounds like the Maks thing just happened today.

Pretty indifferent to Henry, but he has complimented Derek and he inspires me. He watched now Derek approached dwts and Wouldn’t surprise me if Henry tries to do the same. I think
Henry desperately wants to win, get the emmys and be seen like Derek in terms of choreo and pro respect. I remember him saying I think with Kellie’s tango how impressed he pulled off that AT and creativity behind it, staging and all, in week 9 when most are tried. Fam or not, he respects him.

Really sad that Gleb will not be back to DWTS this season, after seeing him in BWAT,he was so awesome and should have been a PRO. I was so ready for Tony to go, happy for Henry, hope Maks is not returning. So unhappy if Derek does not return, he adds so much to the show. Not excited about Erin….happy for the other girls..especially Sharna.
I will look for other places to see Gleb and Derek dance…..it will be interesting to see how the show does…they are looking in the wrong places as far as I am concerned…been a loyal fan since day 1 this may soon change, I will do a wait and see.

If Bill Leaves We Riot is no more :*( although we will always Riot for Bill in spirit but it is time to move on and DancingABC has annoyed me. And when I get annoyed well, if you know me you know that answer.

We are Now @RiotersRule IfEmmaGoesWeFollow so that should pretty much tell you who the riot is on for 😉

Dang, a thousand thoughts running through my head. I’ll start with the easy. Emma is a darling personality and heck of a dancer. Sharna has a special appeal and edge to her style. It should be Katrina ‘s destiny to finally win. She has paid her dues. I don’t think Whitney has the maturity. Her sex appeal is too over the top, I think due to her age. Cheryl is just a love. Now the guys! Wow, no Sasha is a disappointment. Henry is a talent. Now we get to see if he is a personality. Tony seems to be loosing some appeal and energy. Mark and Val staples. Mak, oh my goodness, talk about conflict, his and mine. His cold edge turns me off to the show. Derek not coming back? My first thought is a smart remark. I hate to see him go but love to watch him leave. Seriously, I keep saying this young man is on fire. Stay or go, his life is in transition. This year is packed full of so many great things. Whatever he does, I hope he takes the time to savor the wonderful.

I’m really surprised about Derek. Being on a national weekly TV show when his movie opens seems like it would be the perfect opportunity to plug the movie and really increase ticket sales. I’m sure the movie will do well anyway, but it seems like a missed opportunity to promote the film.

Oh, thanks KellyK. I didn’t connect the dots of him doing the trio with Tony two times make him lean more to the family.
In my head, Henry is exactly as Melissa (#253) wrote, nice attitude and looks like he has potential.

I don’t care much for Witney, but that one time when she instructed Aly to do hairography, ugh okay. I hate excessive hairography. In any case, I look forward to seeing how the new pros will do. I enjoyed Emma and Sasha greatly last season.

Karina (Not Katrina) won in Season 13 with JR Martinez so she does indeed have a Mirroball trophy under her belt already Mary.

I started noticing Henry when Derek used him first in the Samba trio with Maria in Season 14. Tweeted him and stuff. He follows me…lol And he is VERY nice…tweets back too!! Funny, also started being followed by Derek’s dad Bruce this past week as well.

Henry has paid his dues in the troupe the last 4 seasons for sure and deserves a shot at being a Pro! I think he’ll do well and I hope if the Candace Cameron Bure rumors are true that they’ll pair her with him. As much as I love CCB, I don’t know if I could root for her if she were paired with a C brother or Tony :{ I could totally see TPTB pairing her with Val as her husbands name is also Val and of Russian descent as well….sigh….this season is getting more and more depressing for me and it hasn’t even started yet.

Re: paying one’s dues, if I’m not mistaken, Sharna and Emma spent three seasons in the troupe before turning pro. So I was hoping Witney would get at least one more season under her belt. She just doesn’t seem ready yet, and as I said before, I’ m not sure she has the ability to go beyond being a sexpot. I do think she’ll be popular with male fans, though, b/c she’s cute and has a killer body.

One good thing about Witney’ s promotion is that Jenna Johnson will now be on the show. I like her ballroom dancing, and I LOVE her when she does contemporary. So light and effortless! Plus, she doesn’t overdance or overperform like so many young dancers today. Jenna is more like the dancers you see in old movie musicals. I wish Derek was still on the show so he and Jenna could dance a lyrical routine together.

Susan, actually, I think that not being on this season makes it MORE possible for Derek to promote the movie. He will not be tied to LA and the dance studio for hours every day 7 days a week, and will be able to travel the country for interviews etc…. And, he can make the premiers when they happen. Yes, he’d be able if he was on the show, but it will be a LOT easier on him now. And with a movie to promote, and a book to promote, and (hopefully will be announced ASAP) tour with Julianne to promote and prepare, I’d say his dance card is pretty full right now.

He still can come on the show and dance, and he and Boa can hopefully do some dancing from the movie, and his detractors won’t be having a conniption that HE ALWAYS gets ALL of the special dances and how unfair it is that he is promoting his movie when he’s still dancing, yada yada and so on and so forth.

Kinda hurt to see Derek out, but the man has so much to offer and way too much to do! A movie, a book, and a tour? A season or two won’t hurt anyone! im happy for him and looking forward to seeing Maks back!:)

I remember in the Spring 2013 season Maks was talking like he was definitely going to be back and then suddenly a few days before the cast announcement, he wasn’t. At the same time Derek was supposed to be off that season and then suddenly was back in.

Now Derek is out, although we know he was in negotiations and at the last minute Maks is back in, according to some rumors.

It makes me wonder if the show feels they need to have at least one of them on each season. Last year I think they were fed up with Maks and his antics and happily left him off when they were able to talk Derek into coming back. Maybe now negotiations didn’t work out with Derek and they decided to take another chance with Maks. Or maybe they decided to play hard ball with Derek’s contract and figured they had Maks in the wings.

Ugh, I hate the idea of the family thing again. It was awful a few seasons ago.

I wonder why Tony and Peta always seem to be cast. Neither is inspiring but yet they seem to be permanent cast members. I think I’d put Mark in that category too, although he at least brings unintentional humor to the season at times.

I sure hope we get the same Cheryl we got last season. I really enjoyed her.

I hope Witney proves to be more than an interchangeable blond.

A lot of people seem really excited to see Henry. I’ve noticed he seems to bring life to a lot of his trio pairings, so I hope for good things from him.

Jeez, I wake up and come to see what’s happening on PureDwts this morning and it’s like a class 4 rumor pro tornado has blown through! A pronado!

Seeing that Lindsay might possibly be back as pro makes me happy. She clearly wasn’t ready her first time, in addition to having a somewhat checked out partner to deal with. I’d like to see what she can do with another chance. I prefer her dancing over Witney’s.
I’ll try to withhold judgement on Witney as a pro this season until I actually see if can make her partner shine and not herself.

Maks back is completely unexpected. I kind of miss him. What the hell is wrong with me?

I’m very glad that Tyne is not back. I’m firmly in the only ballroom dancers camp. I do wish her luck in her future endeavors.

Yeah for Henry, Tristan, Karina, Sharna and Emma!

Hope we get the engaged, kind Cheryl that emerged with Jack instead of the checked out, over it Cheryl we’ve seen in recent seasons.

No Derek is disappointing because I will miss his wonderful dances every week, but I’m happy for him. The show needs him more than he needs the show. My concern is that the show is going to suffer with all the changes they’ve made. Dealing with Maks, Val and Tony all together again is not going to be a good time. Maks has a bad attitude, Val isn’t far behind him and Tony is boring and uninspiring. Thank goodness we still have Tristan. Although I know it isn’t important to him, I hope he gets a partner that has a chance this year. I would love to see him beat the family.

Oh well, I’m going to hold on to Miss Heidi’s thoughts that Derek has lots of fun plans ahead and bigger things are coming. He and Gleb will still be dancing out there, etc. We might just have to watch elsewhere to find them.

I didn’t mind Val until all the negativity after he lost Season 16 to Kellie and Derek..not ONCE going over to congratulate them and then all the negative tweeting from the DanceWithMe twitter account immediately after the win…Sorry but that’s just poor Sportsmanship. Maks left a bad taste in my mouth after his season with Hope Solo when they were learning the team dance and Maks was getting frustrated with her and walked out so Derek stepped in to show her the routine. Then Hope wrote in her autobiography how Maks HIT her?? After what was shown on TV, I tend to believe Hope. It’s been a YEAR since Kellie won season 16 and Zendaya fans STILL can’t get over it!! In all honesty, I feel it was Val’s fault they lost that MBT but the Zendaya fangirls blame the website crash on it…well yeah, that was THEIR fault with all their fake email accounts that overwhelmed the abc web servers.

I don’t think all these changes in ONE season are going to bode well for the show. IF Candace Cameron Bure is indeed on the show and as long as she is NOT paired with Val or Maks or Tony, she’ll have my support 110%!! If she’s paired with Val….sorry, no matter how much I respect her as a person and what she stands for….I despise Val and the Family THAT much more!

I don’t get the inexplicable Tony love from the producers. If I didn’t believe it was so ridiculous I would think that Tony is the Albanian Vito Corleone and has threatened to place a severed horse’s head in Conrad Green’s bed if he isn’t a pro every season.

His choreography is bland, he doesn’t push his partners enough and he’s got an annoying entitled vibe about him.

To Voguerista: How are you? I know I am sad about Gleb and Derek and the fact they kept Tony. You know Derek is doing so much and has nothing to gain at this point. As for Gleb, I do not blame him, he is so far beyond troupe in his dancing and talent. In my opinion, the troupe was needed for the 2 night show and got to a least do full dances. Now they do bumpers and opening number with the hopes of a trio dance, it has taken a new dimension and is a great starting point. These dancers can say yes or no to the offers.
I will do a wait and see on this season, Erin does not thrill me either, she was hot and cold when she was on, but maybe that was because of Maks. Lets hope they give Tristan and Henry good partners. The girls will do just fine.

If the rumor is true, that Charlie and Meryl will be on the show that will bring another dynamic to the show. The ratings will go up and the viewers will be watching because they will now be competing against each other. Who ever gets these two for partners will have an incredible season.

According to dwtsgossip twitter- Rumor females-Meryl Davis, Nene Leakes and Candice Cameron Bure. Rumored Males-Sean Avery, Charlie White, James Marslow and Cody Simpson.
I really hope Henry gets Meryl what a partner for your rookie season and no one can complain how he always gets the ringers.
If these are true I see the partners as- James/Peta, Nene/Tony, Cody/Whitney, Charlie/Emma, Sean/Cheryl, Candice/Mark.
Im starting to think they plan on keeping Tony around until the show gets cancelled and Im with everyone else i’d rather have Gleb in his place.

In a perfect world, Meryl would be partnered with Tristan and Charlie with Emma 😛

But I am doubtful that’ll happen. I am actually thinking that Meryl might end up with Mark (which I wouldn’t like) since Mark is Derek’s best buddy so she might want him now, instead? I don’t know.. just a thought.

At this point, I’m more worried about Val getting Meryl – he hasn’t been able to win with two ringers so far, so I could totally see him getting a 3rd in order to secure another win for the DWM posse…gag me. In a perfect world, I think Tristan would get her – as a sort of “make-up” for his lost season with Dorothy. I would be ok with Henry getting her, and I could probably TOLERATE Mark getting her as long as he didn’t turn into Dark Mark. But I can just hear the cries of “This is justice for Zendaya!” as Val coasts through week after week with Meryl. But I’d just LOVE it if he made it all the way to the finale, only to get beaten by Charlie and whoever his partner is 😛

Wow so there’s Mark-who lost interest a looong time ago BUT always gets a spot(why not Sasha?)there’s Tristan who recently said, I don’t like dancing all that much or dancing for a living-which would explain his lack of choreo skills and spark in general. Henry??-I just don’t get it and never will. Tony-not enuf time to rant I’ll just say-never had an original idea(should be Gleb).And I loathe both Chermoskys so much that I’ll just say TPTB should just name this season DWTS-TOXIC with their rotten attitudes poor sportsmanship, and on top of it the SAINTValentin/Zendaya Street “couture” plastered with sayings like, Dancing is f***king awesome, with Zen modeling and promoting it ?? Yup good move DWTS, trying to “appeal” to younger ppl-great influence-something to really brag abt. And the girls-??-I’ll just say if someone I can tolerate gets Charlie White and I get enough energy, I’ll vote like crazy for him.

I UNDERSTAND abt “the Derek problem” but I see that as the show’s fault and problem. Why should 20 million people not be able to watch, great Emmy winning performances and fun, entertaining routines and a fun, pleasant guy who’s also a great teacher just because they are too lazy to step away from the Chermoskys familia and deadwood and hire dancers good enough to compete against him. After all, if you can’t compete against the best and win and make the show something REALLY exciting to watch, why should the audience even be bothered to watch at all?

I don’t know where to start. After a long hiatus, I’ve been catching up over the last few days, and wow. Talk about changes. The band gone (glad that they’re still going to have some live music), Brooke gone (while not a fan of her hosting, I do like Brooke as a person, so a little sad), Erin replacing her (not a fan of hers, given when she was on the show, but I’ll give her a chance), and the craziness of pro watch…

So far, if the current rumors are true (Derek out, *all* the Fam in), I’m not sure I want to watch this season. As has been commented on another thread, this season’s feeling pretty dark. I just don’t know if I can take Tony (*why* isn’t he taking a break??!!), Val *and* Maks, with no Derek. Mark isn’t really a pro I can get behind either, and while Tristan is a sweetheart, I don’t find myself really getting behind him and his partnerships. I enjoy them while they’re there, but not always terribly sorry when they’re gone. And with no Gleb, and no Sasha, the only male pro I’m even remotely excited about is Henry. The rumors that he’s joined the fam are a little disheartening, but I’m hoping he’ll be his own man. Based on what I’ve seen of him in the troupe, on Afterbuzz and elsewhere, I’m hopeful. I think he’ll be good.

On the women’s side it’s better – happy to hear that Emma, Sharna and Karina are back, and Cheryl too, if she’s the Cheryl from last season. I’m willing to give Witney a chance, so the only female pro I’m really regretting is Peta. I would be okay if Lindsay were being given another shot at pro, instead of Witney, but either way it’s okay. I’m happy they aren’t trying Tyne again – I’m sure a lovely person and a great dancer, but not right as a pro on DWTS.

Other than Meryl and Charlie, I’m not that jazzed about any of the cast rumors, and if Derek is off, then I’d almost rather Meryl and Charlie not be on – simply because the only pro I could root for Meryl with would be Henry (outside chance of Mark – I’ve like a couple of his partnerships), and Tristan (while I would root for him if he got her) is *highly* unlikely to get her – and I *really* want to see what Derek would bring out of Meryl, and if she’s on with anyone else, we won’t get that. As far as Charlie, I’d be happy if he were with either Emma or Sharna – though it’s a pity that we couldn’t see him Julianne. I know that will never happen, but it would have been cool to see the what the Houghs would bring – it would be amazing – but that’s just wishful thinking. I wonder if Meryl and Charlie might wait until the fall, if they want to go to Worlds – apparently, they’re supposed to be deciding if they want to compete sometime soon (based on Olympic news, not DWTS news…)

Well, it will be interesting to see what rumors are true and which aren’t. I’m sure, despite everything, I will watch…unless or until it becomes too painful.

Disappointed for Sasha. Not a fan of Witney/Lindsay/Tyne so I am disappointed one of them is a pro and not Chelsie. So since Maks is back after two straight seasons being out and then being a guest judge – why not Chelsie as a guest judge?

Oh no, Derek, what are you doing?! I so wanted to quit watching the show… I just can’t handle all the grave changes. Now with the possibility that Derek might be IN …. Oh well, maybe I just watch Derek’s dances on YT.

LOL at the latest updates – either someone needs to get organized (TPTB/casting folks), or others should check their sources, or someone needs to make up their mind…or something. Makes you realize the truth that nothing is final until Tuesday.

It’s sad that Chelsie no longer on contract with them but she’s young enough to go out and pursue other projects. The contract seems very oppessive with little wiggle room. With Maks and Derek both back on the fan wars will continue…..

Hm, I am actually sad to hear that Tristan is out this season. I actually love watching him dance because unlike most of them (THE FAM), he’s such a pure joy/refreshment to see with his partners, especially after last season.

The selfish part of me is happy that Derek is apparently in but, why knows maybe Meryl requested him as her partner so he’s doing one last season.

The charm that Tristan brings to the show and he appeals to all age groups and both males & females – he is an “everyman” pulling in all the demographics. Oh to the Powers-That-Be please switch Tony or someone for Tristan!

I tend to doubt that she’s going to be doing “hard hitting” questions. I can’t imagine that’s why she was hired. And really, as much as the haters claim Derek is the “golden boy” in a pejorative sense, he really IS. It can go one of two ways – she’s a bitch to him while favoring the family and it bites her in the ass big time, or she treats him like she treats everyone else. He wins either way.

Tony and Maks on and Tristan out? I can handle Maks better than Tony. I’ve said it before, like others have, so incredibly dull! Let Derek have Meryl. No matter who he gets, the “family” will complain. I’m hoping Val doesn’t get another ringer, but he probably will. But I also think that no matter who he gets, he isn’t going to win. He and his brother have had such rotten attitudes for so long and such childish tweets that I think they’ve turned a lot of people away. I think there are more people that won’t vote for them than there are that will vote for them. And that’s a shame for their partners.

It’s funny how everything changes so quickly. I swear that the status of every single pro has been declared and changed in the past 24 hours. I think we are just going to have to wait until Tuesday! but I’m glad that (according to the latest news) Derek is back. He is just so good, and if he were with Meryl, that would be such a great pairing!

Although, I have this weird feeling that Maks might get a ringer this season, just because they will probably make a huge deal saying “MAKS IS BACK” like they did when he guest judged and did side-by-side dances.

I am going to say Maks over Tony too. At least Maks does better choreography. I laughed out loud so many times last season during Tony’s routines because they were really bad. That is another mystery to me is how Leah & he made it so far into the competition.

If Tristan is not competing, he better be on the show in some way becuase if he isn’t, they just lost a good pro. They lose him, possibly the nicest pro there, and bring back Maks, who has a tendancy to argue w judges and complain in general?!

First the replace Brooke with Erin Andrews which is ridiculous but now they bring back the ring leader of “the family” circus?? Crazy!

Not to mention that I am going to be majorly upset if they introduce a new female pro and do not bring back Kym Johnson! Especially if it’s Whitney they bring up as pro. I personally can’t stand her and I am not at all fond of Peta. Cheryl, Karina, Emma and Sharna are all fantastic though! And to lose Tristan as well will make this whole season really not worth watching for me

I’m already seeing some Tristan fans blaming Derek for Tristan being out. Which is, of course, ridiculous because it is not Derek’s fault.

If Derek is truly back, then I’m mad because with all of the changes that they’re making to the show and adding the ultra annoying Erin Andrews, I was planning on not watching. I was going to put all of my focus on The Voice and RuPaul’s Drag Race.

How in the hell do you blame Derek, as opposed to Maks who’s been out for two seasons?? Stupid to blame either of them, since neither made the decision.

What people constantly forget about guys like Derek and Maks, is that people who come on the show ASK FOR THEM. And if the producers want that person on the show badly enough, they give them what they want. If Derek is dancing with Meryl, it’s because Meryl wanted him and they wanted Meryl. Period. If Meryl is dancing with, say, Val and Derek ends up with Kate Hudson (example) or some other big “get”, it’s because they want Kate more than they want Meryl and Kate wanted Derek too. The person with the highest profile and who the producers want the most, wins. Same goes for Maks. Maybe he’s dancing with someone who specifically requested him and the producers really want that person on the show. They call Maks and ask him to please come back. Period. IT’S NOT ABOUT THE PROS. It may be about the pros to you and I (universal) but to the producers it’s about getting a good cast which could equal good ratings. Hate to break it to you but there is no evidence that either Derek or Maks have a large impact (positive or negative) on the ratings. They just don’t. But a great cast overall is a different thing.

Since Charlie will have to dance with someone he’s never worked with (Peta?), I would prefer that Meryl dance with someone new as well, like Henry. I like Derek, but I want Meryl to be pushed out of her comfort zone. It would be interesting to see who does a better job of working with an unfamiliar person.

And PH 344, I agree with what you said too. The producers only care about ratings from a show that is good enough (or that they THINK )is good enough to keep people involved.

And I’m guessing and hoping Derek was holding out for a significant partner, one that would be a big challenge and give him an opportunity to do a lot of interesting choreo and dances , or he wouldn’t come back this season. If Meryl is on the show and he doesn’t have her as a partner, I think I’d rather he not come back (unless it’s somebody else really juicy)

#347, If its true that she’s on, I feel Meryl would be out of her comfort zone, even if she is partnered with Derek. Yes she’s familar with him but this is a whole different ball game and a lot more dance styles that she’s probably never heard of or seen. She’s no longer performing on ice nor does she have her partner of 17 yrs to lean on. She will definitely be challenged. (this could be amazing)

Gosh, I think it would be kinda wrong to partner her with anyone else-lol “just kidding” maybe not. I’m a little selfish I know but it would be so nice to see them celebrate that Gold Medal by dancing together-for me anyway-lol

Wish Tuesday would hurry up and get here so we can finally know who will be competing and their pro partners.

Meryl could well end up with someone other than Derek. She could well be with Val, since TPTB seem so determined to give him a win – seriously, three ringers in a row?? He’s not a closer. But I hope that’s not the case, because it would be a waste of talent, IMO.

I am curious to see which way TPTB go, though – do they make a pairing most likely to get an Emmy nomination? Or do they go with a pairing less likely to inflame an oh so sensitive bunch of fangirls?? 😀 Or do they really have some sort fairness gene?? Wait, I can’t think of a single pro that it would be “fair” to give her to. LOL. But why am I falling into the same trap as the rest of the masses?? There are TWO ringers involved here and the other one is male with just as much training and experience. Why is this all about Meryl and Derek?? Some female pro is going to get luckier than any of the males.

Are any of you going to attempt to tell me that Charlie *doesn’t* have a better shot than Meryl, provided they give him the right (non-Peta) partner?? If Meryl gets Derek, it’s a wash – I can’t believe anyone other than his fans (and hers) would want to see him win a third time in a row versus choreographic genius and two huge fanbases. That equals wash which gives Charlie a leg up in my book. Plus, he’s got that dreamy hair. 😉

As usual, PH, you slice through all the red herrings and pull out the kernel of truth — I also think Charlie has a better shot at the MBT than Meryl. If he’s saddled with Peta, she’ll be a millstone around his neck, but if he gets Sharna, Emma, Karina, or Cheryl, he’ll be hard to beat.

It’s nice to see everyone back too! I really enjoy reading everyone’s posts and opinions. This site is one reason I will watch the show. I’m just not that excited about most of the rumors. I would love to see Charlie with the good Cheryl, Emma or Karina. I agree, if he’s stuck with Peta it’ll be a waste. She will bring out the sleaze like she always does. Unless he tells her no and won’t do it. I do not want to see Meryl with Val or Tony. That would be another waste. Tony isn’t challenging enough for her and Val is Val. Give him another ringer and he’s still not going to win. He’s alienated too many people.

I’m just so disappointed not to have Tristan back. I’m hoping when they announce Tuesday, we’ll get a surprise and he’ll be there. I can dream, right?

As I said on a different article, I checked it out, and logistically, Meryl and Charlie can do *both* DWTS and compete at Worlds, and I’m sure DWTS would bend over backwards to make that work for them.

Apologies for getting a bit obsessive here, but I also checked the time difference, and local time in LA is 16 hours *behind* local time in and around Tokyo. So that means more time to get back from Japan after the competition. I think Meryl and Charlie should do it all — DWTS and Worlds.

Wow, so Meryl & Charlie are doing the stars on ice tour that starts in April and goes through May. I would find it very hard for them to do dwts & this tour. Not impossible just way to much to put on them & their pros.

Maybe that’s the idea, Carolyn – handicap them a bit. People hung up on their “dance experience” might pipe down a bit if they know that Meryl & Charlie were going to be dealing with a disadvantage that none of the other contestants had. Might serve to level the playing field a bit.

Carolyn, As Court mentioned earlier, Evan Lysacek did the Smuckers tour and managed to make the finals (and had a good shot at winning until he and Anna dropped the ball with their freestyle). These Olympic athletes have a capacity for work that’s pretty mind-boggling. Wears me out just thinking about it.

Tell me why the fact that Corky Ballas just #FF Meryl and Charlie along with Mark and Derek makes me think the show will give Meryl to Mark ?? Please tell me I’m crazy.. The Kristi Yamaguchi connection and the Shubitani connections to Corky just make me nervous. Not gonna lie I am gonna be sooooo upset if Meryl is on this show and NOT wth Derek, just seems wrong

Ok, I am still trying to recover from yesterday. Help me, I am two glasses of wine into recovery. Derek is still in as of tonight, so we can feel secure. Conflicted because I like watching him weekly but still want him to breakout. My Sasha is back? ( Ok, technically Emma’s Sasha.). Yes yes, because he is precious and took the turmoil with such grace. Mak in or out? I just accepted the fact that I can put up with his arrogance . Since I am under the influence of Moscato, I thought he was just TOO clean cut when he judged last season, nicer but too clean cut. My husband says bring on the season. He is tired of Cha-cha-ing around the house with me.

@Mike – The rumor was “someone from the last season of SYTYCD”. Jenna & Paul got the farthest, so they were the most likely candidates. Go read our original post about it – I think Heidi linked to it in one of her rumor round-ups.

Since we didn’t get the names of the male troupe members until a few hours ago, I would say it was always a possibility that Paul might be in the troupe. What’s to say they wouldn’t take two SYTYCDers?

Maks was indeed in Cleveland earlier this week as a friend of mine (and former RN coworker)picked him up at the Cleveland airport and he spent two days with her and her Orthopedic surgeon husband at their area home..which is right near me. I have seen her personal pictures to prove this from her Facebook page. She attended the Dance With Me Ballroom Bootcamp last summer in NYC and formed a personal friendship with the C brothers but especially Maks. She & her husband went to see Karina and Maks perform in the Tango show on Broadway last winter. Maks invited her back to NYC for another bootcamp in the fall and private ballroom lessons with him. She says he’s a total sweetheart.

KellyK, So Maks was in Cleveland with one of your bffs, and she thinks he’s a “total sweetheart” (there’s no doubt he can be very charming when he wants to be). Aside from the fact that he’s having a grand old time in Cleveland (a prime winter vacation destination, for sure), what’s the takeaway for us vis-a-vis Season 18?

Just that he was in Cleveland on his way to LA, which is where he is now so the Maks fan that was referenced in the post was indeed correct….or maybe the Orthopedic surgeon husband took care of Maks’ issue. I’m not sure as she didn’t mention that. My friend alluded to Maks being on the TV on March 17th but didn’t mention anything regarding who his partner is…I’m sure if he told her, she was sworn to secrecy as well and if Maks was a last minute addition to the Pro casting…he may not have known he was going to be on the show when he was in Cleveland on Feb 24th/25th?

I’m happy for Sasha, but I’d really like to know if someone else was about to sign on to the troupe and got bumped at the last minute. Not necessarily Paul — could have been Jonathan Platero or one of the other BWAT guys. If that’s the case, I feel very sorry for whoever was dropped, but totally understand why the producers would choose Sasha.

Artem was rumored a week or two ago as ‘possible’ teaching pro this season (on a UK site from someone claiming inside info). I wonder if, while things regarding Tristan/Derek/Maks were up in the air, he was ‘in’ and then things changed. I think I believe the person who posted it as they reported his being in the troupe before Kristyn tweeted it.

I’m confused, been a little MIA this week, but was Maks in OH for treatment from a specialist? and is there any real possibility of him judging this season with Val and or Tony in the mix ? With all the changes (some questionable)with the show and the producers big demo concerns, which I really don’t get with 17+ million viewers. Why do they even care what the age of viewers is? From the sounds of the lineup, they aren’t gonna draw them that way and if they think teen and older teen boys will watch for Erin, they are drinkin some seriously crazy fire-water! Does anyone know if all the producers or ppl that make the decisions for the show British, cause at times what they seem to think will appeal seems sooo OFF?

Yes, Maks was in Ohio at the beginning of the week on his way to LA from NYC. A friend of mine picked him up at the Cleveland airport & he stayed with her family for a few days before leaving for LA again on the 25th or 26th. I’ve seen her pics with Maks on Facebook and Instagram 😉 I think there might be a story about it in our local paper tomorrow, if so, I’ll email it to team here 😀

Artem was a contestant on the very first season of SYTYCD, which aired in 2005. Carrie Ann also worked on the show during the audition rounds that season. She probably would have remained there if she hadn’t been offered a job on DWTS.

If that’s how Carrie Ann & Artem met, then I like him even less now – because Artem was definitely married to Giselle Peacock at that time. I’ve managed to refrain from saying anything, but I guess in the interest of full disclosure, I’m gonna put it out there: I CANNOT STAND ARTEM. Took a group lesson with him about 5 or 6 years ago, and the man just struck me as a complete sleazeball – taught the entire lesson shirtless (unnecessary) and was a little too hands-on with the female students in the class for my taste. I also can’t help but think he’s a bit of an opportunist – the bf says he only married Giselle to get his green card (but she was genuinely in love with him), then he suddenly glommed onto Carrie Ann (possibly while still married to Giselle), and now he’s trying to make the jump from SCD to DWTS. I guess I don’t blame him for trying to advance his career, but this guy just throws up a lot of red flags for me – can’t say I’m too pleased that he’s going to be in the troupe, and I’m hoping it’s one-and-done and he goes back to SCD after this season.

Courtney, I am guessing here but I can see a lot of shirtless bumper dances this season? Seeing that you have a hands on experience (literally) with this person I am sure your gut feeling about him is correct. Should be interesting. I hope Sasha gets to be the lead troupe member.

He could be the most awesome choreographer that DWTS has ever seen (doubtful, but you get the point), and I still don’t think I could bring myself to like him, just based on what I have seen from him in person and what I’ve heard from other sources. I just don’t trust the guy as far as I can throw him.

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! No Tristan?? Who will fill the requisite “hot guy with an accent and leaves things to the imagination(not going shirtless)” role?? First Dmitry, then Maks, now Tristan. What’s next taking away Derek????

The ‘article’ in the Daily Mail is riddled with innuendo and character assassination (no change there!). Even in Giselle’s (understandably) embittered version of events, she admits it was she who pressed for them to marry. I daresay that’s a decision they both regret, but people make mistakes.

However the DM wanted to characterize it, the relationship with CAI didn’t start until after he and Giselle (or Giselle!) had called time on their relationship. As for ‘a history of dating up’, the implication is that’s why he was with Kara. She was a former soap actress whose acting career was finished when they met (though it took a turn for the better after SCD). How is that a ‘step up’? (And Carrie Ann spoke about him in the warmest terms after their split. No rancor there).

I’ve no idea if he wants to leave SCD for DwtS, but I do know he needs to work in the Strictly off-season and it’s easier (because of visa constraints) for him to do so in the US. (He has previously worked on the DwtS LasVegas show in the down time).

Courtney – I take your personal experience of Artem at face value and am not dismissing it in any way, but, to balance it out somewhat, I’ve met him a number of times and he has been quiet, unassuming, polite, personable, warm and totally respectful.

I will have to find something to do this afternoon this waiting game is excruciating… Tick tock, tick tock.

I hope this latest snow storm that’s coming doesn’t knock out our power again. I will go cray cray if I miss any new information or the GMA reveal. At least I know if I do… I know right where to go to find out all of the latest.

Let me say upfront. Thank you everyone here at Pure for all that you do.

“Character assassination” or not in that article, Jaycee, I’ve heard enough from people in the ballroom that I trust in order to formulate own opinions. Congrats to Artem for making the troupe, but I’m hoping karma catches up with him and this stint on DWTS is not a permanent one.

Never met the guy, but I’ve seen Artem on several seasons of SCD (although not the one where he and Kara hooked up), and I’ve never warmed to him. He never really connects with his celeb partner. He seems to have a very cold, calculating personality and when he tries to come across as caring or personable, it just doesn’t ring true to me. There’s something about him that’s very off-putting. So I really hope this is not a stepping stone towards a pro spot on DWTS down the road.

Follow-up thought: Why are we looking for these brooding or mercurial Eastern European types (Maks, Val, Artem). If you want an accent go for a charmer like Tristan, and if you’re determined to go for an Eastern European (and raid SCD’s pro ranks), try to get Pasha or the new stud, Aljaz, who’s young, tall, chisled and seems to have a nice personality. I wouldn’t mind seeing either of those guys on DWTS.

It’s really interesting seeing your guys’ thoughts on Artem, actually. He’s one of my favourite of the post-revamp pros on SCD – along with Pasha, Iveta and Anya. It’s especially interesting given that I’ve kind of always thought his choreo would transfer quite well to DWTS (in the same way that I think Aliona would fare pretty well on DWTS).

Incidentally, due to the number of pros in the last series of SCD (7 male, 6 female), I can see them dropping a male pro and picking up a female – in which case I wonder if Artem intends to make this a permanent move. Purely conjecture, of course.

My wish too, Jessica!! It’s just sad they dump Gleb and Tristan like they have when they were very much liked. I’m sure Artem might be a great dancer too. I wish they’d make the cast list and troupe bigger to make room for them all.

They’re all going to say they’re happy with their partner.They would be stupid not to. And we don’t know for sure that Meryl and Charlie are on this season, although the evidence is compelling.

And why people think that Mark got Meryl I don’t understand. People can say ANYTHING on the internet and in a few hours it becomes fact because too many people don’t see the difference between speculation and rumor.